‘Tampuda’ strengthens peace, restores goodwill among IP communities in Agusan
By Nora L. Molde
 |
Tribal elders and leaders of the Banwaon and Higaonon indigenous
cultural communities/indigenous peoples (ICCs/IPs) conduct the sacred ‘tampuda’
ritual in Barangay Policarpo, San Luis, Agusan del Sur on March 10, 2026,
formally restoring peace, unity, and goodwill between the two communities from
Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte after years of tensions linked to past
conflicts. The ritual highlights the role of indigenous customary laws in
promoting reconciliation and sustainable peace in ancestral domains. (Photo courtesy
of NCIP Agusan del Norte) |
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The sacred indigenous reconciliation ritual known as ‘tampuda’ has enhanced peace and restored goodwill between the Banwaon and Higaonon indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples (ICCs/IPs) in the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte in the Caraga region.
The members of the Banwaon ICCs/IPs Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADT) – 250 in Agusan del Sur and the Higaonon ICCs/IPs of CADT 252 in Agusan del Norte – gathered on March 10 in Barangay Policarpo, San Luis, Agusan del Sur to formally restore their relationship after years of tensions linked to past armed conflicts that affected their ancestral domains and communities.
For indigenous peoples, the tampuda is a sacred peace pact that symbolizes the settlement of disputes, the restoration of harmony, and the reaffirmation of unity among tribes. The ritual, led by tribal elders and community leaders, marked the culmination of a series of dialogues and negotiations aimed at healing past wounds and rebuilding trust between the two groups.
Through the tampuda, both communities agreed to set aside past grievances and move forward with renewed respect and cooperation. Tribal elders emphasized that with the successful completion of the ritual, goodwill and mutual understanding between the Banwaon and Higaonon peoples have been restored, allowing the communities to rebuild harmonious relations and strengthen solidarity within their ancestral domains.
Under Higaonon customary law, once the ritual is completed, past conflicts are no longer discussed, as both sides commit to maintaining unity and peaceful coexistence.
Agusan del Norte Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante highlighted the importance of respecting indigenous traditions as effective mechanisms for peacebuilding. “Tampuda is not only a ritual but a symbol of restoring unity and peace among our tribal communities. It shows that by respecting the culture and traditions of indigenous peoples, we can further strengthen peace in our provinces.”
Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr. also expressed support for the reconciliation process, emphasizing that unity among Indigenous communities contributes to lasting peace and development in the region. “This tampuda reflects the strength of our Indigenous communities in resolving conflicts through their own customary laws and traditions. The provincial government stands in solidarity with our IP communities in promoting peace, respect, and cooperation across our ancestral domains.”
In an interview, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples NCIP Agusan del Norte Provincial Officer Cierona Cutar-Molaan said, “The conduct of the tampuda is aligned with national government policies promoting inclusive peacebuilding, respect for indigenous peoples’ rights, and the strengthening of customary justice systems under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997. This law recognizes the rights of Indigenous communities to preserve their traditions, govern their ancestral domains, and resolve conflicts through their customary laws and cultural practices.”
Molaan emphasized that the successful conduct of the ritual is an important milestone in restoring peace among Indigenous communities and strengthening cooperation within their ancestral domains.
IP leaders also expressed gratitude to government agencies, facilitators, and peace advocates who supported the reconciliation process and helped ensure the successful conduct of the sacred ritual.
Representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, NCIP, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), along with local government officials and tribal elders witnessed the ceremony. Officials noted that initiatives such as the tampuda contribute to national peace and development agenda being advanced by the OPAPRU which promotes culturally grounded conflict resolution and community-driven reconciliation efforts within indigenous ancestral domains.
With the completion of the tampuda, the Banwaon and Higaonon communities reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, cooperation, and the protection of their ancestral domains, an important step toward sustaining harmony and inclusive development among indigenous peoples in Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from NCIP Agusan del Norte)
